The Very Reverend Archpriest Raphael David Johnston fell asleep peacefully in the Lord on July 31, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife 46 years Matushka Debbie, sons Ian (Laura) and Michael, and grandchildren, Aiden, Emma and Makayla.

Fr Raphael was an Archpriest in the Orthodox Church in America and the rector of Saints Peter and Paul Ruso-Greek Orthodox Church, Dickie Bush Alberta, as well as a regular assisting priest in Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, in Edmonton.

Holy Apostle Barnabas Mission, Canada's most western parish, has a rather small chapel, so how are to 'spread out'? Well, go outside, of course! Our Heavenly Father gave us beautiful weather this past Sunday so were able to serve the Divine Liturgy in His great outdoors.

How awesome it was to worship Him while looking up at the sun shining down through the leaves of the trees. For a time, a hummingbird settled on a branch behind the altar and observed God's people giving thanks to the Creator for His great glory.

The festal Divine Liturgy for Pentecost was celebrated outdoors at St Seraphim of Sarov Church in Rawdon, Québec, presided by His Eminence Archbishop Irénée and Fr Deacon Denis Letunovsky.

It was a beautiful day: Mother nature was at her best with greenery, the birds were singing, and a nice breeze blew through the rustling leaves. We could not have asked for a nicer day for Pentecost! And of course, social distancing was respected. 

Blessed feast to all!

On Friday 22 May, His Eminence Archbishop Irénée issued the following new directives and guidance to parishes during the COVID-19 outbreak: